Aussie Raid Nets Derby Win For Rubira

Talented three-year-old Rubira (NZ) (Always B Miki) had shown plenty of ability for trainers Mark and Nathan Purdon in his homeland, and last Saturday he displayed his talents in Australia when taking out the Group Three Redcliffe Derby (2280m).

The son of Always B Miki crossed the Tasman in a fresh state, having his first start since posting three consecutive wins earlier this year, culminating with victory in the Group Two Alabar 3YO Classic (2200m) at Alexandra Park in March.

Rubira drew the ace barrier in Saturday’s three-year-old feature and punters duly backed him in their droves, with the gelding starting a short-priced $1.90 favourite.

In the hands of expat Kiwi reinsman Adam Sanderson, Rubira was launched off the gate and maintained his advantage on the marker pegs. Sanderson dictated terms up front and the pair were never headed, running out to a comfortable one length victory in the finish.

Rubira has yet to put a foot wrong in his 13 starts to date, scoring eight wins and five placings with earnings north of $270,000.

He showed plenty of promise from the outset of his career, winning his first three starts, including the Group One Diamond Creek Farm 2YO Classic (2200m) and Group Two Kindergarten Stakes (1609m).

He subsequently placed in the Group One Sires’ Stakes Final (1980m), Group One New Zealand Welcome Stakes (1980m), and Listed NZB Standardbred Harness Million 2YO C&G Mobile Pace (1980m).

Rubira is out of three-win Bettor’s Delight mare Delightful Kas, a full-sister to six-time Group One winner Bell Of Montana, with fellow six-time Group One winner and former New Zealand Harness Horse of the Year Carabella also a close relation.

Bred by Breckon Farms, Rubira was offered through their 2023 NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sale draft at Karaka, and was purchased by Phil and Glenys Kennard for $45,000.

With one Derby win under his belt, there is plenty still in store across the Tasman for Rubira over the coming month, including a tilt at the Group One Queensland Derby (2680m) at Albion Park on July 19.
 

Vendor	Breckon Farms Ltd
Purchaser	PI & GJ Kennard Bloodstock Ltd
Owner(s)	Mrs G J Kennard, P I Kennard, Breckon Racing Syndicate, G A Woodham, Mrs K J Woodham, Mrs S A Cole, R Cole
Breeding	Always B Miki - Delightful Kas
Sale	2023 National Standardbred Yearling Sale, Auckland